They call it "The Big Three"...a term coined to describe the three most powerful and proven treatments for hair loss on the market. Those three are: Propecia, Rogaine and Nizoral Shampoo. One stops the cause of hair loss, one is a powerful growth stimulant, and the other handles the immune response. Rogaine alone will do its job. The three together have changed lives. Let's cover the second "big gun" in the Big Three, Rogaine Foam.

What is Rogaine Foam (Minoxidil)?

Rogaine, Rogaine Foam, and Minoxidil are all basically the same thing. Minoxidil is the ingredient in Rogaine. For many years, the only version of Rogaine available was a liquid which was applied with an eyedropper. Unfortunately, it contained Propylene Glycol which caused severe irritation and flaking in many Rogaine users. This not only adversely affected its effectiveness, but it made quite a few guys quit the treatment altogether.

Rogaine addressed the issue with a revolutionary new technology and type of product: Rogaine Foam. It came out in 2007, and our members have not stopped raving since. The issue of irritation is completely over, the drying time cut to little or nothing, and the new FDA trials done on it show a higher success rate than Propecia, which until 2007 was the best performing treatment on the market.

Who is Rogaine Foam (minoxidil) For?

Rogaine is for men who have lost a visually noticeable amount of hair density, and are not satisfied keeping the current density that they have. It works in all areas of the scalp, despite what the insert may say, and it is a phenomenal part of a combination regimen with Propecia and Nizoral shampoo. Propecia gives you a solid, clinically-proven, 83% chance of keeping every bit of hair you have today, and Rogaine Foam has demonstrated an 85% chance of regrowing new hair. Nizoral shampoo should be included in every regimen. The three together, known as "The Big Three", have grown guys 50% or more of their hair back, and we've got photos to prove it in our user profiles area.

How does Rogaine Foam (minoxidil) Work?

Minoxidil is in the class of treatments called "Potassium Channel Openers". Its true method of action is not completely understood, but it has been clinically-proven that drugs which open Potassium Channels seem to stimulate hair growth.

The Big Three

The Big Three is a term coined to describe the three most powerful and proven treatments on the market for hair loss: Propecia, Rogaine, and Nizoral Shampoo. Propecia stops the cause of hair loss, Rogaine is a powerful growth stimulant, and Nizoral shampoo handles the immune response going on in the scalp. The three together nail hair loss from every possible angle. However, Rogaine alone will do its job. You may not need all three. The typical criteria is as follows: If you are happy to keep the level of density you have today, use Propecia (Generic Finasteride) and Nizoral. If you feel you need to increase your density, then the Big Three is for you.

Types of Rogaine

Rogaine also comes in a liquid form. It's called Men's Rogaine Extra Strength. It is the 5% version (same as foam). There is also a 2% version that is rarely used due to its minimal effectiveness. The liquid contains Propylene Glycol which can cause irritaiton to some users, however it comes unscented so many guys prefer the liquid over the foam. The 2% showed results in 46% of men. The 5% liquid showed results in 64% of men. The 5% foam showed results in 85% of men.

Men's Rogaine Extra Strength liquid comes in a 1 month, 3 month, and sometimes a 4 month version. Liquid Rogaine contains Propylene Glycol which can cause irritaiton to some users. The Liquid Rogaine is actually the first form of Rogaine to hit the market and is still used widely today. Many guys prefer its unscented option over the scented foam.

Rogaine foam (featured in this product review) is available in a convenient 1 month supply for those who wish to try it out and see how they tolere its formula compared to the Liquid. Remember that it takes a minimum of 6 to 9 months to even begin to see results, so the 1 month quantity is mostly for evaluative purposes.

Rogaine Foam (featured in this product review) is available in a 3 month supply for those who are ready to take on their hair loss. The foam showed an 85% success rate in stimulating noticeable hair growth over a 2 year period. Remember that it takes a minimum of 6 to 9 months to begin to see results.

Shedding and Timeline - Set Your Expectations

Every legitimate hair loss treatment causes a period of shedding. If you start on Rogaine, Propecia, or anything else that actually works, your hair will most likely go through a period where it gets thinner before it gets thicker. Do not drop the treatment. Shedding is a sign that it works. When the follicle is being affected by something that benefits it, it shuts down the production of the current hair and begins producing a new one. This is typically during the first three months on the treatment. When this happens in large quantities, it results in thinner hair from Month 1 to Month 3. This is normal. Expect it and ride it out, or you will never see success.

And when does success come? Typically it begins around Month 6, and will top out at the two-year mark. Losing hair is a slow process and it's a slow process to regain it, but the stuff works. Get on it and get the process rolling today.